NovaTracker AssetTrac AT0303KE User manual

August 2006
GPRS Dual Band Asset Tracking Device
(850/1900 MHz)
Model: AT0303KE
Owne
r
’s Manual & Reference Guide
A
ssetTrac
© by Columbus Nova Technology Group, LLC All rights reserved — The Specifications and information regarding the
products in this manual are subject to change without notice. All statements, information, and recommendations in this
manual are believed to be accurate but are represented without warranty of any kind, express or implied. Users must take
full responsibility for their applications of any Products. Reproduction of the contents of this manual, in whole or in part,
without written permission of Columbus Nova Technology Group, LLC, is prohibited.

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Important!
Before installing, turning on or operating the NovaTrack
AssetTrac™, ensure compliance with all safety regulations.
!

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INDEX
1 - Introduction 5
Overview 5
2 - Features 6
Enhanced Features 6
Event Modes 7
Hardware & Software Requirements 7
3 - Hardware Installation 8
Before Installing 8
4 – Hardware Operation 9
Powering on the AssetTrac 9
Understanding the LEDs 9
Interference with Other Devices 9
5 - Specifications 10
6 – Accessories 12
7 – Warnings and Notes 13
8 – Trouble Shooting Guide 14
9 – Frequently Asked Questions 16
Notes 17

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1. Introduction
Overview
CNTG’s AssetTrac™ provides a very low cost but powerful solution for asset tracking and
other GPS (Global Positioning System) tracking applications. It is a compact, completely
self-contained end-user device, which can operate on four AA batteries. It is encased in a
durable, light, waterproof case and weighs about 8 ounces (without batteries) and 11.5
ounces with batteries installed.
The AssetTrac™ combines GPS technology with GSM (Global System for Mobile
Communication) cell phone networks, and was designed for multiple applications
such as vehicle tracking, security, monitoring, recovery, remote control, and GPS data
logging. The AssetTrac™ delivers a reliable, power-efficient, cost-effective solution for
a wide range of situations where you need infrequent or occasional position updates. It is
especially useful for tracking construction equipment, non-tethered trailers, etc. It works
with any private or public IP network architecture.
The AssetTrac™ locater periodically transmits position reports at a user-selectable
interval while in motion, on demand, or at a regularly scheduled time. This makes the
unit more efficient and reduces communications costs. Typically the AssetTrac™ will
function in many areas inside of a vehicle. The AssetTrac™ may also be mounted with
brackets inside or outside of the vehicle/asset or attached with a strong magnet.
The AssetTrac™ requires no external antennas or connections. This flexibility reduces
or eliminates the need for expensive installations.
The AssetTrac™ is an event-driven system, i.e. messages are
sent based on events, some of which can be pre-set based on
certain parameters. Among these events are:
•Time-based events
- Reporting on a scheduled basis, commonly 1/day, 4/day, 8/day.
•Motion-based events
- The unit reports in when it sense motion, then will check for
motion again after a set time.
•Polling events
- Unit remains active and will wake and report when it receives
a message or phone call.

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2. Features
•Water-resistant
•Built in Motion Sensor - saves battery life; only sends position reports when the
vehicle/asset begins to move. This minimizes power consumption thereby
reducing communication costs
•Reporting Intervals - can be set to report in various intervals
•Internal Antennas - no external wires; GSM and GPS Antennas are both internal.
•Polling – When set, the unit will report in if it receives a phone call or text
message.
•Remote Updates - You can remotely change the reporting frequency from the
internet, without having to remove the device from the car/asset.
•Geo-fencing - Users are alerted when these vehicles cross 'geofence' boundaries
that have been assigned to monitor and report their locations.
•Uses four AA standard Batteries - cost effective - can last up to 9 months.
•All-In-One Design - GPS Receiver, Cell Modem, Motion Sensor, Batteries and
SIM card are all in one unit.
Enhanced Features
Users can poll the unit in real time to request the current location of the AssetTrac™ on-
demand or receive a regularly scheduled report. For example, if you would like to keep
costs down, the unit can be configured to periodically log, but not report, its current
position. The user can also poll the device and it will compute a new position on-demand,
or, if it has not moved since the last position was logged, it will immediately return its
most recently logged position. Polling mode must be active to call the unit, while in
polling mode the battery life will be shortened greatly. Alternately, it can be
programmed to report on a regular daily or weekly schedule.
The AssetTrac™ can operate for approximately one week on a set of four AA batteries
during normal use with good GPS visibility. These easy-to-access batteries provide
simple and low-cost maintenance and operation.
The AssetTrac™ unit comes with the ability to gauge the battery level remaining in four
AA batteries. This information is normally displayed as a percentage, 100% is full power
and 0% for zero power.
Note: Battery life can be greatly affected by the surrounding temperatures. Battery life
decreases as the surrounding temperature decreases.

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Event Modes
•Time only Mode
•Motion only Mode
•Time and Motion Mode
Hardware & Software requirements (for GPRS 850/1900):
GSM/GPRS coverage for the USA, Canada, Mexico, and countries in Central and
South America (except Brazil) is at 850/1900 MHz bands.
The AssetTrac™ is delivered without a SIM card. SIM cards must be purchased and
registered with your local GPRS carrier. GPRS works through SMS (Short Message
Service) which is also commonly known as Text Messaging Service. Once you have the
SIM Card, place it into the SIM card holder of AssetTrac ™.
Note: The AssetTrac™ can also be used to collect data without the SIM card. Up to
3500 points of data can be stored. To retrieve the data, power off the unit, install the
SIM card, and then power it back on.

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3. Hardware Installation
The AssetTrac™ can operate for approximately one week on a set of four AA batteries.
This allows for simple and low-cost maintenance. Total installation time is often less than
five minutes.
The AssetTrac™ contains the system's primary electronic components. Always mount the
main module in the vehicle's interior compartments, in a covert and secure location,
ensuring that moisture, vibration and temperature extremes are minimized. Acceptable
locations include behind the dash, inside glove compartment, in the trunk, under the seat
or behind other interior panels.
Note: Optimal conditions are stated as having a clear view of the sky. It has been tested
to function in these areas of a car, but results may vary. The battery life will diminish
when GPS cannot be attained easily.
Before installing the AssetTrac ™ Unit:
Please make sure that you have a SIM card that satisfies the following requirements:
•Caller ID from your GPRS service provider allowed.
•Short Message Service (SMS) has to be supported by your service
provider and activated.
•Remove all PIN protection from your SIM card.
Weather Resistant Box:
To prevent the water from penetrating inside the enclosure, the following steps must be
followed:
1. Put the top cover over the enclosure in the correct orientation.
2. While applying uniform pressure over the top cover, secure screws ONLY about ¾
ways in the order shown.
1 4
3 2
3. Now that the top cover is secured in a uniform fashion, finish securing top cover
completely by tightening screws in the order shown.

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4. Hardware Operation
Powering on AssetTrac™:
When powering on the unit for the first time, or just replacing the batteries, it is best to be
outside or least where the unit can capture GPS. Place the four batteries in the correct
orientation into the battery holder. Once the fourth battery is in place the unit will be
powered on and begin to seek for a GPS location.
Note: The AssetTrac unit by default is set to report once every 15 minutes on a timed
schedule. When first powering on allow time to acquire GPS and connect to the GSM
network. This entire process can take up to 10 minutes. If either light does not turn
green, power the unit on in a different location. The reason that GPS is required is to
allow the unit to learn what time it should be set to.
Understanding the LEDs:
When the unit is first powered on you will see both LEDs blink then turn on and stay solid
red. The unit will first try to acquire a GPS location then attempt to connect to the internet.
If the unit can acquire a GPS location the light on top will turn green. Once it has a GPS
location it will try to connect to the GSM network. Once the GSM network is reached the
bottom light will turn green as well; it transmits the data location and both LEDs will turn
off. Depending on the mode and interval you are using the unit will most often enter sleep
mode and wait until triggered by an event.
Interference with Other Devices:
Much like a normal cell phone the AssetTrac™ unit is subject to interference. The unit can
cause interference when near other electronic devices such as car stereos. It is
recommended to keep an operating distance of 12 inches from these other electronic
devices. Conversely other electronic devices and environments can cause interference.
Areas that make cell phone reception difficult will have the same effect on the AssetTrac™
unit, such as subway terminals for example.
IMPORTANT: Please make sure system is powered off when
inserting SIM card and connecting inputs and outputs. Also, if using a
power module, make sure the case is connected to vehicle ground.
Otherwise, an electrical short may occur and damage the unit.
!

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5: Specifications
Technical Specifications
Following are the technical specifications for the AssetTrac Unit Vehicle Tracking device
including:
•Power requirements
•GSM /GPRS Modem
•GPS satellite receiver
•RS-232 connection
•SIM card holder
System Power (Battery)
Supply Voltage: Four AA Batteries (not included)
Battery Life: Up to 90 days (10 reports per day)
GSM /GPRS Modem
Dual Band 850/ 1900 MHz
GPRS class 10
GPRS mobile station class B
Compliant to GSM phase 2/2+ Class 4 (2 W @ 850 MHz)
Class 1 (1 W @ 1900MHz)
GPS Satellite Receiver
Frequency L1 Frequency (1575.42 MHz)
C/A Code 1.023 MHz chipping rate
Channels 12
Accuracy Horizontal < 6 meters
Altitude < 11 meters
Velocity .06 m/sec

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RS-232 Connection
Number of connections 2
Baud rate 2400 - 115200
Hardware / flow control N/A
SIM Card holder
GSM11.11 Compliant
ISO7816 Compliant

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6. Accessories
Mounting Bracket:
Mounting Brackets provided to secure AssetTrac™ onto asset item.
These devices are available from:
NovaTracker
11 Commerce Drive. Lobby Floor
Cranford, NJ 07016
Tel: [phone]
Fax: [phone]
* ISO (International Standards Organization), ANSI (American National
Standards Institute), CDL (California Drivers License), and AAMVA
(American Association of Motor Vehicle Administrators).

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7. Regulation
Warning:
The AssetTrac unit must be installed and operated at a minimum distance of 20 cm
between the AssetTrac unit and your body. This unit) must not be co-located or operating
in conjunction with any other antenna or transmitter.
Changes or modifications made to this unit not expressly approved by NovaTracker may
void the FCC authorization to operate this equipment.
Compliance:
This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC Rules and with RSS-210 of Industry Canada.
This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class B digital
device, pursuant to Part 15 of the FCC Rules. These limits are designed to provide reasonable
protection against harmful interference in a residential installation. This equipment generates
uses and can radiate radio frequency energy and, if not installed and used in accordance with
the instructions, may cause harmful interference to radio communications. However, there is
no guarantee that interference will not occur in a particular installation. If this equipment
does cause harmful interference to radio or television reception, which can be determined by
turning the equipment off and on, the user is encouraged to try to correct the interference by
one or more of the following measures:
1. Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna
2. Increase the separation between the equipment and the receiver
3. Consult the manufacturer or supplier for help

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8. Trouble Shooting Guide
Problems that may occur when installing/using the AssetTrac™ unit
1: Cannot connect to GSM network
Solutions:
•Check SIM card; make sure it is installed correctly.
•Check with your SIM card provider.
2: No GPS light (No GPS connection)
Solutions:
•Move the vehicle. Something may be blocking satellite reception.
•Try a different location on/in the Asset

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9. Frequently asked questions
Q: What is AssetTrac?
A: AssetTrac is a location device that uses Global Positioning System (GPS) to acquire
location and Global System for Mobile communication (GSM) wireless to report to a
remote server.
Q: Does the device only work with a clear view of the sky?
A: Not necessarily, AssetTrac is able to function inside most vehicles, whether that is in
the glove box, passenger seat, under the seat, or in the trunk. Results can vary, and may
not receive a GPS position if there’s too much interference.
Q: Does the AssetTrac locator require installation?
A: Not normally the device consists of a self-contained package that includes all
antennas.
Q: What wireless network standards does AssetTrac support?
A: AssetTrac uses the GSM (Global System for Mobile Communications) network. This
is one of the most common cellular communication standards. GSM is not the only
standard used in the United States but it is the most prevalent system used in densely
populated areas.
Q: What areas will the AssetTrac be able to operate in?
A: AssetTrac will be able to transmit wherever there is an available GSM signal. If there
is not an available cell phone signal it will log up to a 3500 locations and transmit all the
logged data when a cellular signal becomes available.
Q. What geographic areas will my AssetTrac unit work?
A. Everywhere that you have a GSM cell phone network available. It will work best in
densely populated areas and along major highways.
Q: How does my AssetTrac actually communicate with me?
A: AssetTrac uses the SMS messaging system commonly used for text messaging.
AssetTrac will gather its location, time, and battery level then send out the data using the
SMS message system to a server. The server will receive the data and process it into the
nearest street address and post the information, most commonly on a web browser.
Q. My AssetTrac unit is showing me the correct town but not a street address or is
missing the street number?
A. AssetTrac units report the latitude and longitude as a number. It is up to the database
on the server side to provide the address and street numbers. Often missing streets are
either new or have had their name changed since the database was last updated.

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Q: How does the AssetTrac power itself?
A: The AssetTrac locator uses four common AA alkaline or rechargeable batteries.
Q: How long do the batteries last?
A: The AssetTrac’s four AA batteries lifespan is approximately one week reporting four
times per day (depending on weather conditions). The life span of the unit is also
dictated by how it is being used. While the AssetTrac is set to scheduled reporting the
battery draw is minimal. Polling mode is available as an option for the AssetTracs (the
ability to “call” the unit, have it wake up from sleep mode and transmit). Polling mode
will reduce battery life greatly.
Q: What are the AssetTrac locator's power requirements?
A: The AssetTrac will normally use the default of four common AA batteries. AssetTrac
has the ability to monitor the battery level remaining to help the user to know when
replacement will be needed.
Q: How durable is the AssetTrac locator?
A: The device consists of a sturdy, water-resistant molded plastic casing with all antennas
inside the unit. It is designed to fully support the needs of consumer vehicle, machinery,
or any other asset monitoring.
Q: How accurately is the device able to report location information?
A: The AssetTrac locator's position reports are typically accurate within 3-10 meters.
Q: How frequently can the device report position?
A: The default report frequency is once every 15 minutes and is in time only reporting
mode. If the unit is in time only mode the lowest recommended time interval is 10
minutes. It can also be programmed to send reports based whether it is moved or is being
polled. Typical scheduled settings would be 1/month, 1/week, 1/day, 2/day, or 4/day.

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Notes: